The Michigan State University College of Engineering embraces March being Women’s History Month and supports several events and activities that promote its significance.
One of the larger events the college sponsored this month was Rosie the Riveter Day, a free event that took place Thursday, March 21 at the State Capitol in Lansing. It included vehicle displays, food trucks, historical exhibits, and a rally on the Capitol lawn followed by a group photo.
This event drew current and former Spartan Engineers, representatives from industry and corporate partners, women who worked in manufacturing during World War II, and even an appearance from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Dayana Villagran, a 2021 MSU mechanical engineering graduate, and Kylie Keller, a current student studying mechanical engineering, represented the College of Engineering at the event and had speaking roles.
“If there’s anything I can leave with you today, it’s to not set limitations on what you can and cannot do,” Villagran said in her speech. “If someone else can do it, why can’t you?”
Villagran works at General Motors’ Lansing-Delta Township Assembly Plant and was featured in January by the MSU Alumni Association as part of the university’s “I am a Spartan” series.
Rosie the Riveter Day is an annual celebration of women who worked in manufacturing plants and shipyards during the World War II era while men were off to fulfill military obligations.
These "Rosies" made weapons, tanks, planes and other military machines.
Their efforts inspired women across the world to become leaders in the workplace and led to massive changes in work policies and regulations.
Hundreds attended the second annual gathering on March 21 at the State Capitol, including groups that wore the symbolic Rosie uniform – blue coveralls, blue workshirt and a red bandana. The event gave participants the opportunity to meet some original Rosies who supported the war effort.
The Capital Area Manufacturing Council (CAMS) coordinated Rosie the Riveter Day with support from several sponsors and partners of the College of Engineering, including General Motors, Ultium Cells, PNC Bank, the Jackson Area Manufacturers Association and Dowding Industries. For more information about the CAMC, visit its website.
Women in Engineering outreach
The College of Engineering is committed to supporting the development and recruitment of future Spartans.
Women in Engineering (WIE), an engineering-based student-led program, is always looking for opportunities to connect with youth. The organization’s goal is to increase the pool of qualified women who enter the college and assist these students in their chosen academic programs. Recruiting is the lifeblood of the program, especially at an early age.
This month, WIE held a virtual MSU Engineering Mentorship Series that drew around 50 grade school participants.
Events were held March 12 and 14, giving participants the opportunity to interact with current Spartan Engineers and learn about various fields of study.
Participants learned how to create their own water filtration systems, design lawn chairs, learn computer binary code and insulate cups.
The sessions stressed the importance of fields like environmental engineering, applied engineering sciences, computer science and electrical engineering. For more information about Women in Engineering, visit its website.
From the archives
Ethel V. Lyon was the first woman permitted to enroll in an engineering program on MSU’s campus. In 1933, Lyon earned her engineering degree in what was then called the State Agricultural College.
Records obtained by MSU Libraries indicate she was listed as working as a lighting advisor in the electrical industry in the 1940 Census. More about Lyon and other firsts for women at MSU can be found on the libraries’ website.
Women also found their way to East Lansing after they took part in World War II-related training.
MSU records and an archived photo indicate that Ann Kapp, an electrical engineering student, was a pioneer of sorts in a 1947 metal forging class.
The photo shows she was the only woman among 160 students enrolled in the class and became interested in forging during World War II when a war training course led to a position as an electrical draftsman with a New York firm.
For more information about the College of Engineering’s efforts to broaden participation among all its events, activities, programs and departments, visit the college’s Broadening Participation K-12 page.
SWE 50th anniversary
This academic year marks the 50th anniversary of the Society of Women Engineers’ MSU chapter. MSU’s chapter has grown into one of the most vibrant, active engineering-focused student organizations on campus. New members are always welcome.
Membership benefits include registration discounts to national conventions and student conferences, the ability to apply for several scholarships and career networking opportunities with industry professionals. Find out more by visiting the Society of Women Engineers' website.
Written by Eric Lacy, lacyeric@msu.edu. See more at the Engineering Media and Public Relations page.